If you're looking for value and mostly handle everyday tasks like web browsing and office applications, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 can get the job done at a lower cost. On the other hand, if you need higher performance for tasks such as video editing or gaming, and you're willing to invest more, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i typically offers stronger performance. Keep in mind, the Lenovo may also have better build quality and a sharper display, which are important if you consume a lot of media or need accurate colors for design work. The Dell, being less expensive, might have compromises in these areas but would still be a solid choice for general usage at a budget-friendly price point. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3511
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has no clear advantages over the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
7.4/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i provides better gaming and 3D performance with its Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics card and a higher screen refresh rate of 120 versus the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, which includes an Intel Iris Xe graphics card and a refresh rate of 60. Additionally, the Lenovo's CPU and screen quality are superior, which also somewhat contribute to its enhanced gaming capability.
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
8.1/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.7/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is more suitable for engineering and design because it has a higher-end CPU and GPU, which translates to better performance in demanding software, and its screen offers a sharper image and wider color coverage, important for detailed design work. In comparison, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, while still capable, provides a lower power CPU and integrated graphics, alongside a less color-accurate and lower resolution screen.
Screen Quality
6.0/10
7.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
230.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
409.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i's very good screen quality is due to its higher resolution and brighter display, making text and images clearer and more vibrant compared to the Dell Inspiron 15, whose fair screen is suitable for basic tasks. In engineering and design, the IdeaPad Pro 5i offers better color accuracy with wider color gamuts ensuring more precise color work, while the Inspiron 15's fair quality means colors might not be as true-to-life. For gaming and 3D, both laptops have poor screen quality as they lack high refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth motion; however, high resolution and panel type improve visual detail to some extent.
Build Quality
6.2/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$580
$880
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has a price of $580 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i costs $880.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.7/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.3/10
7.7/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
6.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has 6 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i compare to other laptops
"The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) is a solid, if unremarkable, 15-inch budget laptop. It improves on many of the issues we had with the previous 3505 model, and with the inclusion of Windows 11, the 3511 is already a step above its competition. The lack of a USB-C port, the subpar speakers, and the dim display are drawbacks to factor in, but it's still one of the better 15-inch budget laptops on the market, especially when you consider it's under $400."
"Lenovo’s IdeaPad Pro 5i represents an impressive opening salvo for Meteor Lake in the ultraportable space against familiar foes from AMD and Apple. Not only does the Core Ultra 5 125H processor provide good performance across the board, but battery life remains a strong point against the Acer Swift Edge 16 with its AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor. It can’t quite match the endurance of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but the gap is shrinking."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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